# Service of Documents (Section 20)
## Importance
For legal validity of notices, resolutions, and communications, documents must be served in legally recognized modes.
## A. Serving Documents ON a Company / Its Officer
Must be served at the registered office by any of:
- Registered post
- Speed post
- Courier service
- Leaving at registered office
- Electronic mode (if prescribed)
### Special Rule — De-mat Securities
Records of beneficial ownership may be served electronically by the depository to the company.
## B. Serving Documents on ROC or a Member
Served by:
- Post / Registered post / Speed post / Courier
- Delivery at office/address
- Electronic mode (if prescribed)
## C. Member's Right to Specific Mode
A member may request a specific mode of receiving documents on payment of fees as decided in the AGM.
## D. Special Rule — Nidhi Company
| Shareholder Type | Mode of Service |
|---|---|
| Members holding > ₹1,000 OR > 1% of paid-up share capital | Direct service (post/courier/electronic) |
| Other shareholders | Public notice in local newspaper + notice board of the company |
## E. Electronic Transmission — Definition
A communication qualifies as 'electronic transmission' if it:
1. Can be retained, retrieved and reviewed
2. Can be converted into tangible form
3. Includes: Fax, email, electronic message boards, other verified electronic communication
## F. Effect of Service — Timing Rules
| Document Type | When Service is Effective |
|---|---|
| Notice of meeting (by post) | 48 hours after posting |
| Other documents | At time of delivery in ordinary course of post |
## Memory Aid
"Company at RO; Member by AGM choice; Nidhi splits big vs small; Notice = 48 hours after post."